Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America · Est. 1908
Welcome to
Descent of the Holy Ghost
An Orthodox Christian community in Merrillville, Indiana — rooted in Romanian heritage, open to all who seek the ancient faith.
Sunday Liturgy
The Hours 9:20 · Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM
Our Heritage
117 Years of Orthodox Faith
Founded in Gary
Romanian immigrants organize the parish on October 11, 1908 — the first Divine Liturgy celebrated on Christmas Day.
First Church
Cornerstone of the first church at Hayes and 19th Streets in Gary consecrated on October 31, 1909.
Moving South
Parish purchases property at 750 W 61st Avenue in Merrillville, beginning the transition from Gary.
Merrillville Home
The present church in Merrillville is consecrated September 29–30, 1973 — the parish's enduring home.
Serving Northwest Indiana since 1908
Join Us
Life at the Parish
Weekly Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
The Hours
9:20 AM
Divine Liturgy
10:00 AM
All are welcome to attend the Divine Liturgy. Visitors are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early. The service is celebrated in both English and Romanian.
View full schedule →Upcoming
Parish Events
June 8, 2026
Pentecost Sunday Liturgy
June 29, 2026
Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul
Support the Parish
Online Giving
Your generosity sustains our community, our building, and our ministry to Northwest Indiana.
Give Now →Available to Rent
Parish Hall
Our hall is available for weddings, receptions, banquets, and community events. Rentals help support the parish.
Learn more & book →
Our Parish Family
One Family in Christ
From the Sunday of Orthodoxy to summer feast days — every generation gathered before the iconostasis of Descent of the Holy Ghost. This is who we are.
Sunday of Orthodoxy
Every person holding an icon
His Grace Bishop Andrei · Fr. Daniel Radu
The Parish Family
Romanian folk dress, all generations
Fr. Daniel Radu · Merrillville, IN
The parish family of Descent of the Holy Ghost
Who We Are
A Community Rooted in Faith, Open to All
Descent of the Holy Ghost was founded in 1908 by Romanian immigrants who came to Northwest Indiana during the great industrial rise of Gary. What began as a gathering of Romanian steel workers and their families has grown into something broader — a living community of Orthodox Christians from many ethnic backgrounds, united by the ancient faith.
We are an English-Romanian speaking parish, part of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America within the Orthodox Church in America. Whether you are a lifelong Orthodox Christian, a newcomer exploring the faith, or simply curious — you are welcome here.
Read Our Full HistoryFirst Time Visiting?
We'd Love to
Welcome You
Whether you're Orthodox, inquiring about the faith, or simply looking for a spiritual home — come as you are. Our doors are open every Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Celebrating
117 Years
of Orthodox Faith
Support Our Parish
Your Gift Keeps the Lights On
117 years of faith, liturgy, and community — sustained by the generosity of parishioners and friends like you. Every gift, large or small, makes a real difference.